Leading US Indoor Agriculture Conference Partners with Microsoft to DiscussPlant Factories, AgTech At Its First Asia Event
SINGAPORE. (October15, 2015) —As it offers solutions to drought, food supply chain challenges and the scarcity of new farmland, indoor agriculture is one of the fastest-growing aspects of global farming. Indoor Ag-Con –the US indoor agriculture’s industry’s leading conference –will be hosting its first event in Asia on January 18-19, 2016 to discuss the prospects for this tech-rich industry in the region.
The two-day seminar will be hosted at Microsoft’s campus in Marina Bay, Singapore, and is tailored toward corporate executives from the technology, investment, vertical and greenhouse farming, and food and beverage industries, along with hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic startups and urban farmers.“As a company that is all about empowering organizations and people to achieve more, we are very committed to growing the startup ecosystem. Microsoft is excited to partner with Indoor Ag-Con for its inaugural Asian event and looks forward to the innovation that will be showcased as well as germinated in the areas of tech-focused indoor agriculture,” said Nobuhiro Ito, Director for Developer Experience & Evangelism, Microsoft Singapore.
The event will consist of keynotes from industry leaders and academics, panel discussions and extended networking breaks. The first day of the event will be co-hosted with The Foundation for the Development of Controlled Environment Agriculture, a non-profit entity devoted to academic advancements in the industry; “we’re gathering leading academic speakers from across the region to address growing in tropical climates“ added Chris Higgins, co-founder of the foundation and general manager of leading industry supplier Hort Americas. The second day will focus on commercial aspects of the industry. Participants will also have the opportunity to network at a drinks party on the first evening.
As with each Indoor Ag-Con event, the event’s focus will be on networking: “it’s great that the Asian industry will have a new opportunity to meet up with fellow growers and technologists” commented local Upgrown Farming Co distributor and SG Farming Blog owner Lionel Wong. Agriculture technology companies, suppliers and automation companies will have the chance to meet and mingle with leading vertical farmers and commercial greenhouse operations.
The event has previously been hosted in Las Vegas, NV and New York, NY. In its first three years, Indoor Ag-Con has captured an international audience and attracted some of the top names in the business. It has welcomed over 800participants from 8 countries, as far away as New Zealand and the Philippines. Vendors in its sold-out exhibition halls have included LED lighting systems, nutrient delivery systems, and an automated aeroponics technology. The 2015event’s sponsors ranged from retail majors such as Overstock.com and Whole Foods Market, to leading equipment suppliers such as BioSafe Systems, CropKing, Dosatron, Illumitex and Hort Americas.
“As a former resident of Singapore, one of my personal goals has been to bring Indoor Ag-Con to this vibrant region”added Nicola Kerslake, founder of Newbean Capital, the owner and organizer of Indoor Ag-Con. “Indoor Ag-Con is growing along with the industry that it serves, and we’re delighted to expand our events to Asia for 2016”. Newbean Capital, the host of the conference, is a registered investment advisor; some of its clients or potential clients may participate in the conference.
Indoor Ag-Con Asia
• Dates –January 18-19, 2016
• Place –Microsoft, 1 Marina Blvd, Singapore 018989•Ticket Prices –from S$399
• Features –Two day seminar, with keynotes, panel discussions, and a drinks party.
For more information,please visit www.indoor.ag/singapore or call 65.9624.9210